Gallas was criticised for his behaviour during Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Birmingham in February, when he walked away from his team mates and stood in the other half of the pitch in a fit of pique after the home side were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

It was in the same match that striker Eduardo suffered a broken leg following a tackle by Martin Taylor.

Gallas said: "They (the media) can say what they want...they will not bring me down, I'm stronger than that.

"How can you summarise our season with that thing at Birmingham? That is not why we stopped winning matches."

Gallas has also been credited with criticising the development of Theo Walcott, despite the teenager making some fine cameos from the bench this year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will review the situation in the summer, and the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure have been linked with the role.

Toure said: "I would be really, really proud to be captain. I am now one of the oldest players in the squad so naturally I feel like a captain and it doesn't matter if I have the armband or not.

"It is a decision for the manager and he is the only one who can make it.

"Gallas was really good for us at the start of the season. But then after this Birmingham game he made a mistake, he knows that and we all tried to bring him back to the team and he came back well. But when you make a mistake it is difficult after that, it was a really important part of our season."

Arsenal play relegated Derby on Monday night without winger Alexander Hleb, as the Belarus international misses the final three games of the season through suspension.

Abou Diaby (thigh) is also out, along with Mathieu Flamini and full-back Bacary Sagna (both ankle), so Brazilian teenager Denilson could make a rare start.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is fit again following a wrist problem, but Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski may be in line for a first Premier League appearance.